Do you have a mala necklace? Maybe you just want one (they're very "on trend" right now)? But here's the big question: do you know how and what it's used for? Because this string of 108 beads is not a necklace--it's a tool for japa mala meditation. "Japa" is Sanskrit (the language of yoga), … Continue reading 6 Powerful Mantras for Meditation→

Say you've been practicing for at least a year or more. You probably noticed you feel stronger physically, perhaps your flexibility has increased, and you are becoming better and better friends with your breath, too. But, the yoga journey is an internal path, more than anything. As you walk this path and continue to let … Continue reading How does your practice show up off the mat?→

So many people find their way to yoga looking to increase flexibility, decrease stress, and to create more overall balance in their life. Read about 5 ways to cultivate better balance in your life and on the mat.

Ayurveda is the sister science of Yoga, and the world's oldest known medicinal system. The word Ayurveda means "knowledge of life" (ayur = life + veda = knowledge), and it is estimated to have been in practice by those on the Indian subcontinent since prehistoric times. It is a philosophy of bringing the body and … Continue reading 4 Ways to Bring Ayurveda into Your Yoga Practice this Spring→

Looking to make some progress in your Hanumanasana (Ha-NOO-ma-NAH-sah-nah)? The yogic split is so-named for the half monkey, half god Hindu deity. It specifically alludes to the story of him jumping across the sea from mainland India to Sri Lanka in one great leap to save his dear friend Rama. The split is Hanuman's great … Continue reading At Home in Hanumanasana→

Natarajasana is one of my favorite poses to work on and to be in, and I'm willing to bet that many other yogis feel the same. A combination of deep backbend and standing balance that requires strength, flexibility and intense focus--it's a powerful and elegant pose! Read on to learn how to work toward this pose.

Last night after leading a class in La Jolla, I got to talking with one of the front desk studio helpers about her search for a 200HR yoga teacher training, as she's having trouble weeding through the many programs available across San Diego and beyond. She's right. Especially in Southern California where you'll find hundreds … Continue reading Interested in yoga teacher training? Consider these 5 factors.→

For many, Crow (or Crane, if you work it with straight arms) is their first arm balance in yoga. That doesn't mean it's easy! It requires core strength, a strong chaturanga, and relatively open hips to get those knees up on the back of your arms. The back slightly rounds as you draw the navel … Continue reading Shift into Strength: Crow/Crane Sequence→

If you have seen my Instagram (@catvaladezyoga), you'll know that I'm pretty active on social media. I'm also a big proponent and practitioner of mindfulness. And yet, I have caught myself wondering lately if it's even possible to say that I practice mindfulness and also engage (heavily) on social media. Seems laughable, doesn't it? Most … Continue reading Can Mindfulness and Social Media Coexist?→